The Panthers came within a touchdown of making it to the state title game last season. OC is now focused on proving the historic season wasn’t a fluke. Plenty of key players return, keeping expectations high in Helotes. It starts with QB Zach Galindo, one of the area’s top passers. He has his top three targets from 2012 back with WRs Nate Phillips and Alonso Roscoe and tight-end/H-back/everything Billy Craft. The Panthers will have to replace Tre Johnson and his 31 TDs at running back. Sophomore Jamonte Foster has already received high praise from coaches for his combination of speed and size (5-10, 175). The line will be young (Robert Cox is the only returning starter) but big. Six starters return on defense, including DB Jeilyn Williams and LB Marces Garza-Dishmon (80 tackles, three sacks), possibly the hardest-hitting 5-foot-9 kids in the city. O’Connor had another strong 7-on-7 run this summer, so expect it to continue to air it out and put up points. And Sept. 21 vs. Brandeis should again be a must-see.